Trellis’ efforts to improve equity in aging services are being recognized on a national scale.
In July, our Volunteer and Outreach Team received a 2023 Aging Innovations Award from USAging at their annual conference. USAging is the national association representing area agencies on aging. The innovation award is one of the highest honors presented to USAging members.
Meeting Communities Where They Are
The award recognizes Trellis’ commitment to reaching older adults and caregivers in the Twin Cities metropolitan area from historically marginalized and underserved communities. Under the leadership of Volunteer and Outreach Manager Jetta Wiedemeier Bower, the team recruited staff and volunteers who speak multiple languages and enlisted the help of cultural guides to establish authentic community partnerships when reaching out with resources. Staff now speak six languages, and nearly half of new volunteers speak a second language in addition to English. Three volunteers do not speak English at all.
“We focus on meeting communities where they are to show that we are invested in their well-being,” says Wiedemeier Bower. “Making time for those connections develops trust in community, which creates opportunities to help people access the resources they want and need to live their best life.”
Reaching Thousands of Older Adults and Caregivers
Since January, members of the Volunteer and Outreach Team have spoken with more than 5,000 community members to share information and resources to support older adults and caregivers. More than 70 percent of those contacts represent underserved populations—those from low-income neighborhoods, from rural areas of the Twin Cities, or Indigenous populations and/or communities of color.
“We are committed to supporting and representing the full diversity of the Twin Cities metro area,” says Dawn Simonson, President and CEO of Trellis. “More than ever we are connecting with the people who most need the services and resources we provide. We are proud to receive this recognition and grateful to the communities that have welcomed us with open arms.”
Trellis has several volunteer opportunities available for anyone looking to support older adults and caregivers. Visit our volunteer page to learn how you can make a difference as a member of our growing Volunteer and Outreach Team.
